In 1992, Nanda got engaged to director Manmohan Desai but he died after falling from the terrace of his flat. (HT Photo)

Actors pay their last respects to Nanda and reminiscence about the actor and the person she was. Padmini Kolhapure, Shabana Azmi, Shashi Kapoor and Salim Khan bid adieu.

Padmini Kolhapure, actorThere are so many memories of her. I used to call her Nanda tai. She was a wonderful lady who sacrificed a lot for her family. I met her last when she came to watch a Salman Khan film a few years ago. She was close to Helenji and their whole group of friends had come. I was so pleased to meet her that I hugged her hard and she started laughing. We used to talk a lot on the sets - we worked in three films together - even though we had a huge age gap. People will remember her for her body of work but I will remember her for the person she was.

Shabana Azmi, actorI grew up watching her films. I was very happy to see the gang of girls - Nanda, Helen, Waheeda Rehman, Asha Parekh and others - when they came to see my play. Even though they are such senior actors, they didn't seek special treatment and met me backstage too. I was very touched by their gesture and also impressed with their spirit, togetherness, the way they embraced life without any angst and enjoyed it to the fullest without surrendering to their loneliness. It's a deep loss, not only to the industry but to all of us, personally.

Shashi Kapoor, actorShe was my first leading lady in Char Diwari (1961) always ready to help newcomers. The way she lip synced Yeh shama… in Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965) was fabulous.

Salim Khan, writerNandaji was one of the finest human beings I have ever met in the industry. She was always a sweet, nice and caring person. I don't remember her being part of any controversy. She was always very professional and correct in her approach. Helen (his wife) shared a warm rapport with Nandaji. It's a great loss to the entire film industry.